Image capturing apparatus with zoom function

ABSTRACT

An image capturing apparatus comprises an image capturing unit which captures image data of an object, a zoom image data generating unit which generates items of zoom image data having different zoom magnifications, a display control unit which displays through images on a display unit based on the items of the generated zoom image data, a selection unit which selects one of the zoom magnifications by selecting one of the through images displayed on the display unit, and a recording control unit which records image data corresponding to the selected zoom magnification in a storing medium.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Divisional Application of U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/638,716 filed Dec. 14, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,711,258,which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from priorJapanese Patent Application No. 2005-364256, filed Dec. 19, 2005, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image capturing apparatus and animage capturing method applicable to digital cameras having zoomfunction.

2. Description of the Related Art

A Digital camera is one of the image capturing apparatuses.Conventionally, the digital camera sequentially captures images of anobject by an image sensor such as a CCD, and displays the capturedimages on a monitor thereof as through-the-lens images (hereinaftertermed “through images”), on standby for shooting.

As a technique of image display, the following multiple image display isrealized. That is, the image sensor captures an image of an object, aplurality of images whose angles of view are respectively different aregenerated from the captured image by an electronic zoom processing for aplurality of zoom magnifications, and the generated images aremulti-displayed (simultaneous displayed) on a monitor as through images(see Jpn. Pat. Appln. Publication No. 2004-200950).

However, the technique described in Jpn. Pat. Appln. Publication No.2004-200950 is not satisfactorily convenient and still has a room forimprovement.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved imagecapturing apparatus which displays images of different zoommagnifications on a monitor as through images.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved imagecapturing method which displays images of different zoom magnificationson a monitor as through images.

According to one embodiment of the invention, an image capturingapparatus comprises:

an image capturing unit which captures image data of an object;

a zoom image data generating unit which generates items of zoom imagedata having different zoom magnifications from the captured image data;

a display control unit which displays through images on a display unitbased on the items of the generated zoom image data;

a selection unit which selects one of the zoom magnifications byselecting one of the through images displayed on the display unit; and

a recording control unit which records image data corresponding to theselected zoom magnification in a storing medium.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an image capturingapparatus comprises:

an image capturing unit which captures image data of an object;

a zoom image data generating unit which generates items of zoom imagedata having different zoom magnifications from the captured image data;

a display control unit which displays through images on a display unitbased on the items of the generated zoom image data;

a selection unit which selects zoom magnifications by selecting some ofthe through images displayed on the display unit;

an instruction unit which instructs to execute image capturing; and

a recording control unit which records image data corresponding to theselected zoom magnifications to a storing medium when the instructionunit instructs to execute image capturing.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an image capturingapparatus comprises:

an image capturing unit which captures image data of an object;

a zoom image data generating unit which generates items of zoom imagedata having different zoom magnifications from the captured image data;

a first display control unit which displays through images on a displayunit based on the items of the generated zoon image data;

a selection unit which selects zoom magnifications by selecting some ofthe through images displayed on the display unit;

an optical zoom unit;

an electronic zoom unit; and

a second display control unit displays on the display unit a throughimage corresponding to a zoom magnification realized by the optical zoomunit and a through image corresponding to a zoom magnification realizedby both the optical zoom unit and the electronic zoom unit in adifferent manner.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an image capturingapparatus comprises:

an image capturing unit which captures image data of an object;

a magnification setting unit which sets a zoom magnification;

a zoom image data generating unit which generates first item of imagedata and second items of image data from the captured image, wherein thefirst item of image data corresponds to the set zoom magnification, andthe second items of image data correspond to different zoommagnifications,

a display control unit displays on a display unit a through image basedon the first item of the image data on a first area, and displays aplurality of through images based on the second items of the image dataon second areas, wherein a display screen of the display unit beingdivided into the first area and the second areas which are smaller thanthe first area;

an instruction unit which instructs to execute image capturing;

a recording control unit which records image data corresponding to theset zoom magnification to a storing medium when the instruction unitinstructs to execute image capturing; and

a selection unit which selects a zoom magnification by selecting one ofthe through images displayed on the second areas, wherein

the magnification setting unit sets the zoom magnification selected bythe selection unit.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an image capturingmethod for an image capturing apparatus including an image capturingunit which captures image data of an object, a display control unitwhich displays an image on a display unit based on the image data, and arecording control unit which records the image data in a storing medium,the method comprises:

generating items of zoom image data having different zoom magnificationsfrom the image data output from the image capturing unit;

displaying through images based on the items of the generated zoom imagedata on the display unit;

selecting one of the zoom magnifications by selecting one of the throughimages displayed on the display unit; and

recording image data corresponding to the selected zoom magnification inthe storing medium.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an image capturingmethod for an image capturing apparatus including an image capturingunit which captures image data of an object, a display control unitwhich displays an image on a display unit based on the image data, and arecording control unit which records the image data in a storing medium,the method comprises:

generating items of zoom image data having different zoom magnificationsfrom the captured image data;

displaying through images based on the items of the generated zoom imagedata on the display unit;

selecting zoom magnifications by selecting some of the through imagesdisplayed on the display unit; and

recording image data corresponding to the selected zoom magnificationsin the storing medium when an image capture is instructed.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an image capturingmethod for an image capturing apparatus including an image capturingunit which captures image data of an object, a display control unitwhich displays an image on a display unit based on the image data, anoptical zoom unit, and an electronic zoom unit, the method comprises:

generating items of zoom image data having different zoom magnificationsfrom the captured image data;

displaying through images on the display unit based on the items of thegenerated zoon image data;

selecting one of the zoom magnifications by selecting some of thethrough images displayed by the display control unit; and

displaying a through image corresponding to a zoom magnificationrealized by the optical zoom unit and a through image corresponding to azoom magnification realized by both the optical zoom unit and theelectronic zoom unit in a different manner.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an image capturingmethod for an image capturing apparatus including an image capturingunit which captures image data of an object, a display control unitwhich displays an image on a display unit based on the image data, amagnification setting unit which sets a zoom magnification, and arecording control unit which records image data corresponding to the setzoom magnification in a storing medium when an image capture isinstructed, the method comprises:

generating first item of image data and second items of image data fromthe captured image, wherein the first item of image data corresponds tothe set zoom magnification, and the second items of image datacorrespond to different zoom magnifications;

displaying a through image based on the first item of the image data ona first area, and displaying a plurality of through images based on thesecond items of the image data on second areas, wherein a display screenof the display unit being divided into the first area and the secondareas which are smaller than the first area;

selecting a zoom magnification by selecting one of the through imagesdisplayed on the second areas; and

setting the selected zoom magnification to the magnification settingunit.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a computer programproduct for use with an image capturing apparatus including an imagecapturing unit which captures image data of an object, a display controlunit which displays an image on a display unit based on the image data,and a recording control unit which records the image data in a storingmedium, the computer program product being stored in a computer usablemedium including computer readable program means, the computer programproduct comprises:

first computer readable program means for generating items of zoom imagedata having different zoom magnifications from the image data outputfrom the image capturing unit;

second computer readable program means for displaying through imagesbased on the items of the generated zoom image data on the display unit;

third computer readable program means for selecting one of the zoommagnifications by selecting one of the through images displayed on thedisplay unit; and

fourth computer readable program means for recording image datacorresponding to the selected zoom magnification in the storing medium.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a computer programproduct for use with an image capturing apparatus including an imagecapturing unit which captures image data of an object, a display controlunit which displays an image on a display unit based on the image data,and a recording control unit which records the image data in a storingmedium, the computer program product being stored in a computer usablemedium including computer readable program means, the computer programproduct comprises:

first computer readable program means for generating items of zoom imagedata having different zoom magnifications from the captured image data;

second computer readable program means for displaying through imagesbased on the items of the generated zoom image data on the display unit;

third computer readable program means for selecting zoom magnificationsby selecting some of the through images displayed on the display unit;and

fourth computer readable program means for recording image datacorresponding to the selected zoom magnifications in the storing mediumwhen an image capture is instructed.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a computer programproduct for use with an image capturing apparatus including an imagecapturing unit which captures image data of an object, a display controlunit which displays an image on a display unit based on the image data,an optical zoom unit, and an electronic zoom unit, the computer programproduct being stored in a computer usable medium including computerreadable program means, the computer program product comprises:

first computer readable program means for generating items of zoom imagedata having different zoom magnifications from the captured image data;

second computer readable program means for displaying through images onthe display unit based on the items of the generated zoon image data;

third computer readable program means for selecting one of the zoommagnifications by selecting one of the through images displayed on thedisplay unit; and

fourth computer readable program means for displaying a through imagecorresponding to a zoom magnification realized by the optical zoom unitand a through image corresponding to a zoom magnification realized byboth the optical zoom unit and the electronic zoom unit in a differentmanner.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a computer programproduct for use with an image capturing apparatus including an imagecapturing unit which captures image data of an object, a display controlunit which displays an image on a display unit based on the image data,a magnification setting unit which sets a zoom magnification, and arecording control unit which records image data corresponding to the setzoom magnification to a storing medium when an image capture isinstructed, the computer program product comprises:

first computer readable program means for generating first item of imagedata and second items of image data from the captured image, wherein thefirst item of image data corresponds to the set zoom magnification, andthe second items of image data correspond to different zoommagnifications;

second computer readable program means for displaying a through imagebased on the first item of the image data on a first area, anddisplaying a plurality of through images based on the second items ofthe image data on second areas, wherein a display screen of the displayunit being divided into the first area and the second areas which aresmaller than the first area;

third computer readable program means for selecting a zoom magnificationby selecting one of the through images displayed on the second areas;and

fourth computer readable program means for setting the selected zoommagnification to the magnification setting unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the presentinvention and, together with the general description given above and thedetailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explainthe principles of the present invention in which:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a digital camera viewed from theupper side according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the digital camera viewed from theupper side;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the digital camera, showing theelectric configuration thereof;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing direct zoom mode processing of a firstembodiment in the digital camera;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of through image display processing in the directzoom mode processing;

FIG. 5A is a view showing examples of image areas displayed on a displayscreen of the digital camera in the direct zoom mode;

FIG. 5B is a view showing examples of object images displayed on thedisplay screen of the digital camera in the direct zoom mode;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of direct zoom mode processing of a secondembodiment in the digital camera; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of direct zoom mode processing of a thirdembodiment in the digital camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of an image capturing apparatus according to the presentinvention will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a digital camera viewed from theupper side thereof according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1B isa rear perspective view of the digital camera viewed from the upper sidethereof. The digital camera is equipped with a zoom function includingboth optical zoom and electronic zoom. The maximum magnification istreble “3×” for each of optical zoom and electronic zoom (“9×” when bothare used). As shown in FIG. 1A, a lens unit 2 and an optical finder 3are located on a substantially rectangular front face of a thin camerabody 1. A power key 4 and a shutter key 5 are provided on a left sidearea of a top surface of the camera body 1.

The lens unit 2 is retractable and includes a lens barrel 6 and an imagecapturing lens system 7. The lens system 7 is provided in themulti-stage telescopic lens barrel 6, and is movable along the opticalaxis. The lens system 7 includes optical lenses such as a zoom lens anda focus lens. The lens unit 2 protrudes forward as shown in FIG. 1A,when the power is on, or when an operation mode is changed into an imagecapturing mode from another mode. The lens unit 2 is housed in thecamera body 1 when the power is off or when the operation mode is aplayback mode.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the optical finder 3, switches, and a liquidcrystal display (LCD) 15 are arranged on the rear surface of the camerabody 1. The switches include a REC (recording) key 8 for setting arecording mode, a PB (playback) key 9 for setting the playback mode, azoom key 10, a menu key 11 for displaying a menu screen, a display key12, a ring-shaped direction key 13, a set key 14 arranged within thering of the direction key 13.

The direction key 13 and the set key 14 are operated for selecting anitem displayed on the menu screen and for image selection describedlater.

The LCD 15 is formed with a color LCD panel equipped with a back light.The LCD 15, on standby for shooting in the recording mode, displays animage (through image) of an object or a variety of information forshooting. An aspect ratio of a display screen 15 a of the LCD 15 is9:16, and horizontally longer than ordinary display screens havingaspect ratio of 3:4. It is possible to display images on a main area A1in maximum size, and on three sub-areas A2 a, A2 b, and A2 c arrangedvertically on the right side area of the main area A1 (see FIG. 5A). Theaspect ratio of A1, A2 a, A2 b, and A2 c is the same as the ordinaryaspect ratio of 3:4.

A removable external memory 31 (see FIG. 2) such as a memory card isconnected to the camera body 1 through a memory card slot provided atthe bottom of the camera body 1 (not shown). The external memory 31 is astoring medium for storing the captured image.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the digital camera, showing theelectric configuration thereof. A lens block 21 includes the lens barrel6, the lens system 7 and driving mechanism. The driving mechanism drivesthe lens barrel 6 and the lens system 7. A motor 22 (including a zoommotor and a focus motor) is provided within the lens barrel 6, anddrives the lens barrel 6 and the lens system 7 along the optical axis. Amotor driver 23 drives the motor 22 according to the instruction from aCPU 24. The CPU 24 controls the entire digital camera. The lens block 21and the motor driver 23 perform as the optical zoom function.

A charge coupled device (CCD) 25 is an image sensor and arrangedperpendicular to the optical axis of the lens system 7 in the lens block21. Timing generator (TG) 26 generates a timing signal according to theinstruction from the CPU 24. The CCD 25 is driven by a vertical andhorizontal driver 27 in response to the timing signal and outputs acaptured analog image signal corresponding to a captured optical imageof the object into a signal processing circuit (CDS/AD) 28. The signalprocessing circuit 28 includes a correlated double sampling (CDS)circuit which removes the noise contained in the signal output from theCCD 25 by correlated double sampling, and an analog-digital (A/D)converter which converts the captured image signal subjected to thenoise removing into a digital signal. The captured image signalconverted into the digital signal is output to an image processor 29.

The image processor 29 processes the input captured image signal byoperations such as a pedestal clamp operation, converts the signal intoa luminance signal (Y) and a color difference signal (UV), and performsdigital processing such as auto white balance processing, edgeenhancement processing, and pixel interpolation processing, forimproving the image quality. The YUV data converted by the imageprocessor 29 are sequentially stored in a synchronous dynamic randomaccess memory (SDRAM) 30. In the recording mode, each time one frame ofdata (image data) is stored in the SDRAM 30, the data is converted intoa video signal, and transferred to the LCD 15 to be displayed as athrough image.

In a recording mode, an operation of the shutter key 5 triggers the CCD25 to capture the image of the object. The captured image data istemporarily stored in the SDRAM 30. The CPU 24 compresses the image datatemporarily stored in the SDRAM 30, and finally records the image datain the external memory 31 as a still picture file in a predeterminedformat. The still picture file recorded in the external memory 31 isread out by the CPU 24 for decompression in response to a selectioninstruction by the user in the playback mode, and is expanded and storedinto the SDRAM 30 as YUV data. Thereafter, the data is displayed on theLCD 15.

The key input device 32 includes the power key 4, the shutter key 5, theREC key 8, the PB key 9 and so on. When any of the keys is operated bythe user, the key input device 32 transmits an operation signalcorresponding to the content of the operation to the CPU 24.

A flash memory 33 is a non-volatile memory for storing various data andprograms for causing the CPU 24 to control the components of the camera.The programs include the programs for controlling AE, AF and AWBprocessing. In the present embodiment, the flash memory 33 stores theprograms for causing the CPU 24 to perform as a display controller, arecord controller, an electronic zoom controller and a zoommagnification setting unit in a direct zoom mode described later. Theflash memory 33 also stores setting information relating the operationof the digital camera. The setting information is selected anddetermined by the user.

Subsequently, the operation of the digital camera having theabove-described configuration will be described hereinafter. FIG. 3 is aflowchart of the direct zoom mode processing. The flowchart indicatesthe processing of the CPU 24 in the direct zoom mode. The operation ofthe power key 4 turns the power on, and the operation of the REC key 8starts the recording (image capturing) mode. Thereafter, the direct zoommode processing can be selected.

In the direct zoom mode, the CPU 24 drives the CCD 25 at a predeterminedthrough rate to capture an image of an object at predetermined timeintervals (step SA1). The CPU 24 executes through image displayprocessing (step SA2). By the through image display processing, theimages of the object are output sequentially (periodically) from theimage sensor, and immediately displayed on the LCD 15. Therefore, theuser can see the condition of the object image before shooting.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the through image display processing (stepSA2). The display screen 15 a of the LCD 15 is divided into a main areaA1 and three sub-areas A2 a, A2 b, and A2 c as shown in FIG. 5A. Then, athrough image 101 is displayed on the main area A1 (step SA101) based onthe captured image. When the power key 4 turns the power on, the lenssystem 7 is set to the wide end so that the zoom magnification is set toone “1×”.

Subsequently, three preview images, respectively corresponding to threepredetermined zoom magnifications (“2×”, “3×” and “6×” in the presentembodiment) are generated from the image captured for the throughdisplay (step SA102). Image areas, which respectively correspond to theabove-described zoom magnifications, are clipped from the captured imagedata temporarily stored in the SDRAM 30 (step SA102). The images clippedfrom the captured image for each zoom magnifications are referred to asthe preview images. As shown in FIG. 5B, the “2×” preview image 102,“3×” preview image 103, and “6×” preview image 104 are displayed on thesub-areas A2 a, A2 b, and A2 c of the display screen 15 a (step SA103),in ascending order of the zoom magnification. Each of the preview imagesindicates the image area to be acquired by shooting when thecorresponding magnification is selected.

As shown in FIG. 5B, magnification marks M1 and M2 are superposed on therespective preview images 102, 103, and 104 displayed on the sub-areasA2 a, A2 b, and A2 c. The magnification mark M1 is a character stringsuch as “×2”, and the magnification mark M2 is a character stringsurrounded by a frame or the like. When the zoom magnification is double“2×” or treble “3×”, i.e., the magnification realized merely by theoptical zoom, the magnification mark M1 is displayed. When the zoommagnification is “6×”, the magnification mark M2 is displayed in such amanner that the character string “×6” is surrounded by the frame inorder to indicate that both optical zoom and electronic zoom areemployed.

A frame-shaped selection cursor C is displayed on one of the main orsub-areas (step SA104). The selection cursor C is displayed according tothe setting at the time of starting the through image displayprocessing. As shown in FIG. 5B, the selection cursor C is displayed onthe main area A1 by default, i.e., immediately after the direct zoommode is started. Then, the flow returns to the main flow of FIG. 3.

Although it is not shown in the flowchart, when the user operates thezoom key 10 to change the zoom magnification in the case where theabove-described processing is being executed, the zoom magnification forcapturing the through image 101 is changed, and the image subjected tothe magnification change is displayed on the main area A1. When thechanged zoom magnification is within the optical zoom range (“1×”through “3×”), the zoom lens (lens system 7) is driven into thepredetermined position based on the zoom magnification change, and theimage capturing processing of step SA1 is executed. When the zoommagnification is changed into the magnification within the electroniczoom range (“3×” through “9×”), the image capturing processing of thestep SA1 is performed in the following way. The zoom lens is driven tothe predetermined position (corresponding to the “3×” optical zoom), theimage of the object is captured, and the area to be clipped by theelectronic zoom is changed based on the zoom magnification change. Thechange of the zoom magnification through the zoom key 10 changes theangle of view of the through image 101 to be displayed on the main areaA1. When the shooting direction of the camera is not changed, only thethrough image 101 varies according to the zoom magnification change.When the shooting direction is not changed, because the magnificationscorresponding to the assumed zoom images 102, 103, and 104 aremaintained to be “2×”, “3×”, and “6×” respectively, the display of theassumed zoom images do not change.

When the changed zoom magnification is less than or equal to “×2”, the“2×” preview image 102, “3×” preview image 103, and “6×” preview image104 can be created from the image captured for the through display (thethrough image 101). When the zoom magnification is more than or equal to“3×”, the image capturing is performed with the “3×” optical zoom. Thecaptured image indicates an angle of view corresponding to the “3×”optical zoom. The angle of view corresponding to the “2×” zoom is widerthan the angle of view corresponding to the “3×” optical zoom.Accordingly, the “2×” preview image can not be acquired from thecaptured “3×” optical zoom image. Therefore, the “2×” preview image isgenerated as follows. When the zoom lens is located in the wide endposition (the position for the “1×” zoom in the present embodiment),e.g., immediately after the recording mode and the direct zoom mode aresequentially started, or when the zoom lens is located in the wide endposition by the operation of the user, the image data of the capturedimage is acquired and temporarily and separately stored in the SDRAM 30as reference image data. When the lens system 7 is set to the positioncorresponding to the “3×” optical zoom, at the step SA102 in the throughimage display processing, the basic image data is used in order togenerate the preview images 102 and 103 (corresponding to the “1×” and“2×” optical zooms). The zoom magnifications corresponding to thepreview images 102 and 103 are less than “3×”. When the zoom key 10 isoperated to change the zoom magnification within the electronic zoomrange (“3×” through “9×”), the image is captured with the “3×” opticalzoom, and the corresponding electronic zoom processing is performed. Thethrough image 101 (within the electronic zoom range) is generated fromthe captured image (“3×” image) by the electronic zoom processing, anddisplayed on the main area A1. Thereby, the “3×” and “6×” preview imagesmay be obtained from the captured image (corresponding to the “3×”optical zoom).

In FIG. 3, when it is instructed to move the selection cursor C by thedirection key 13 (“YES” at step SA3), the CPU 24 moves the selectioncursor C to another area on the display screen 15 a according to theinstruction (step SA4). The CPU 24 determines whether or not the set key14 is operated (step SA5). The image set by the set key 14 is referredto as a candidate image. When it is not instructed to move the selectioncursor C (“NO” at step SA3), the CPU 24 immediately determines whetheror not the candidate image is set (step SA5). When the candidate imageis not set (“No” at step SA5), the flow returns to step SA1 and repeatsthe above-described steps. When the candidate image is set (“YES” atstep SA5), the CPU 24 determines whether or not the selected candidateimage is one of the preview images 102, 103, and 104 (step SA6).

When the through image 101 displayed on the main area A1 is selected asthe candidate image (“NO” at step SA6), shooting for recording isimmediately performed (step SA8) by skipping step SA7. The electroniczoom processing is executed onto the image data temporarily stored inthe SDRAM 30 if necessary, based on the electronic zoom magnificationset to the selected through image 101 (step SA9). When the set zoommagnification for the through image 101 displayed on the main area A1 ismore than “3×”, the electronic zoom processing is executed. Thereafter,the captured image data temporarily stored in the SDRAM 30, or the imagedata subjected to the electronic zoom processing is compressed andstored in the external memory 31. That is, the image data having thesame angle of view as the displayed through image 101 is stored in theexternal memory 31 (step SA10).

When the candidate image is one of the preview images 102, 103, and 104(“YES” at step SA6), the zoom lens (lens system 7) is driven to theposition corresponding to the optical zoom magnification for capturingthe candidate image if necessary (step SA7). For example, in the casewhere the through image 101 is captured with the “2×” optical zoom anddisplayed, when the “3×” preview image 103 or “6×” preview image 104 isselected, the zoom lens is automatically driven to the positioncorresponding to the “3×” optical zoom. In the case where the throughimage 101 is captured with the “2×” optical zoom, when the “2×” previewimage 102 is selected, the lens position is maintained. Thereafter,shooting for recording is performed (step SA8). When the magnificationcorresponding to the candidate image is “6×”, the “2×” electronic zoomprocessing is executed onto the “3×” captured image data (step SA9).Subsequently, the image data captured as is, or the image data subjectedto the electronic zoom processing is compressed and stored in theexternal memory 31. That is, the image data having the same angle ofview as the candidate image (selected from the preview images 102, 103,and 104) is stored in the external memory 31 (step SA10). Thereby, asingle shooting operation in the direct zoom mode is completed.

Therefore, in the direct zoom mode, a plurality of preview images aredisplayed according to a plurality of zoom magnifications on the displayscreen 15 a. It is not necessary for the user to set each of the zoommagnifications. It is merely required that the user to select a desiredimage (move and set the position of the selection cursor C) from thepreview images 102, 103, and 104 displayed on the same display screen.The zoom magnification (the angle of view) is instantaneously changedinto the desired magnification and shooting is executed. Thus, shootingat sufficiently high speed is realized.

On the sub-areas A2 a, A2 b, and A2 c, the magnification marks M1 and M2are displayed together with the preview images 102, 103, and 104. Whenselecting the preview image (zoom magnification), the user can reliablysee the zoom magnifications of the preview images.

The magnification mark M2 which represents the “6×” zoom is thecharacter string surrounded by the frame and clearly indicates that bothoptical and electronic zooms are employed. Thereby, the user can selectthe preview image (zoom magnification) considering the image quality.

In the present embodiment, the magnification marks M1 and M2 aredisplayed in different manners from each other. The zoom magnificationrealized merely by the optical zoom and the zoom magnification realizedby both optical and electronic zoom can be distinguished from each otherwith the magnification marks M1 and M2. The distinction may be performedby the different way such as displaying a line between the sub-areas A2b and A2 c.

The zoom magnifications corresponding to the preview images 102, 103,and 104, are “2×”, “3×”, and “6×”, in the present embodiment. However,another combination of the zoom magnifications may alternatively beemployed. The zoom magnifications are required to be different from eachother. Moreover, the zoom magnifications may be changed by the operationof the user.

The display screen 15 a is divided into a main area A1 and smallersub-areas A2 a, A2 b, and A2 c in the present embodiment. The throughimage 101 is displayed on the main area A1, and the preview images 102,103, and 104 are displayed respectively on the sub-areas A2 a, A2 b, andA2 c. However, all the areas may have the same size. Regardless of thesize of the areas, the number of the preview images (number of thesub-areas) to be simultaneously displayed can be changed.

In the present embodiment, in order to select the through image 101, thesame selection operation as selecting the sub-areas A2 a, A2 b, or A2 c,is executed, i.e., the movement and the setting of the selection cursorC by the direction key 13 and the set key 14. However, for shooting(selecting) the through image 101 on the main area A1, a shootinginstruction by the shutter key 5 may trigger the shooting, without thesetting of the candidate image.

The selectable areas (images) may be limited to the sub-areas (previewimages). When shooting is instructed through the shutter key 5 in thecase where one of the sub-areas is selected, the captured image isrecorded with the above-described processing after step SA6. Whenshooting is instructed by the shutter key 5 in the case where none ofthe sub-areas is selected, the captured image is recorded with theabove-described processing after step SA8.

In the present embodiment, the digital camera includes both optical andelectronic zoom function is described. However, the present invention isapplicable to a digital camera having only one of the optical andelectronic zoom functions.

Other embodiments of the image capturing apparatus according to thepresent invention will be described. The same portions as those of thefirst embodiment will be indicated in the same reference numerals andtheir detailed description will be omitted.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment of the present invention will be describedhereinafter. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the direct zoom mode processing inthe present embodiment executed by the CPU 24 of the digital camerahaving the configuration shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2. The operation ofthe power key 4 turns the power on, and the operation of the REC key 8starts the recording (image capturing) mode. Thereafter, the direct zoommode processing can be selected.

In the direct zoom mode, the CPU 24 drives the CCD 25 at thepredetermined through rate to capture the images of the object at thepredetermined time intervals (step SB1) and executes the through imagedisplay processing (step SB2). The through image display processing isthe same as the processing shown in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment. Withthe through image display processing, the images of the object includingthe through image 101 and the preview images 102, 103, and 104 aredisplayed on the display screen 15 a as shown in FIG. 5B. Magnificationmarks M1 and M2 are also displayed on the sub-areas A2 a, A2 b and A2 c.The selection cursor C is displayed on the predetermined sub-area(sub-area A2 a by default). In the present embodiment, the selectableareas are different from the first embodiment. The selection cursor Cmoves only among the sub-areas A2 a, A2 b, and A2 c.

Subsequently, when it is instructed to move the selection cursor C bythe direction key 13 (“YES” at step SB3), the CPU 24 moves the selectioncursor C to another sub-area on the display screen 15 a according to theinstruction (step SB4). The CPU 24 determines whether or not the set key14 is operated (step SB5). The image set by the set key 14 operation isreferred to as the candidate image. When it is not instructed to movethe selection cursor C (“NO” at step SB3), the CPU 24 immediatelydetermines whether or not the candidate image is set (step SB5).

When it is determined that the candidate image is set (“YES” at stepSB5), the zoom processing is executed based on the magnificationcorresponding to the set candidate image (step SB6). That is, the zoommagnification for capturing the through image 101 is replaced by thezoom magnification corresponding to the candidate zoom image. When theoptical zoom magnification for capturing the through image 101 isdifferent from the optical zoom magnification of the candidate image,the zoom lens (lens system 7) is driven into the zoom positioncorresponding to the optical zoom magnification of the candidate image.When the electronic zoom magnification of the through image 101 differsfrom the electronic zoom magnification of the candidate image, the areato be clipped for generating the through image 101 is changed.Thereafter, the flow returns to step SB1. As a result of the processingof steps SB1 and SB2, the through image 101 having the same angle ofview as the candidate image is newly displayed on the main area A1. Thecandidate image is enlarged and displayed as the through image 101. Thatis, the zoom magnification change is applied in such a way that the userselects the candidate image from the preview images displayed on thesub-areas, and the main area A1 immediately displays the imagecorresponding to the zoom magnification of the candidate image.

Accordingly, the user can select the zoom magnification comparing thedisplayed images of the different zoom magnifications (angles of view).Even when it is immediately after the zoom magnification change, thethrough image subjected to the zoom magnification change is newlydisplayed on the main area, thereby the change is immediately appliedfor the display. The user can compare the through image 101, whose zoommagnification is changed, with the preview images having different zoommagnifications. Moreover the user can confirm the selected zoommagnification.

When it is determined that the setting of the candidate image is notperformed (“NO” at step SB5), the CPU 24 determines whether or not theuser operates the zoom key 10 to change the zoom magnification. When itis instructed to change the zoom magnification (“YES” at step SB7), thezoom processing based on the zoom magnification change is performed(step SB8). According to the zoom magnification change, the main area A1sequentially displays the through image subjected to the zoommagnification change. Thereby, the zoom magnification of the throughimage 101 may be manually adjusted.

Thereafter, when the zoom magnification change is not instructed (“NO”at step SB7), it is determined whether or not the shutter key 5 isdepressed (step SB9). In the case where the shutter key 5 is notdepressed (“NO” at step SB9), the flow returns to step SB1 and repeatsthe above-described processing.

Although it is not shown in the flowchart, the image is captured whenthe zoom lens is located in the wide end position, and separately storedas reference image data, also in the present embodiment. At step SA102in the through image display processing of FIG. 4, the preview image,whose optical zoom magnification is less than the optical zoommagnification of the zoom lens, is generated from the reference imagedata.

When the shutter key 5 (shooting instruction unit) is operated (“YES” atstep SB9), shooting for recording is performed, in the same way as theordinary recording mode (step SB10). When the zoom magnification forcapturing the through image 101 is more than 3× (within the electroniczoom range), both optical and electronic zooms are required. The imagedata is captured with the 3× optical zoom and temporarily stored in theSDRAM 30. The image data is processed with the electronic zoomprocessing based on the zoom magnification for capturing the throughimage 101 if necessary (step SB11). The image data captured as is, orthe image data subjected to the electronic zoom processing is compressedand stored in the external memory 31 (step SB12). Thereby, a singleshooting operation in the direct zoom mode is completed.

The combination of the zoom magnifications for the preview images 102,103, and 104 may be changed also in the present embodiment. The user maychange the zoom magnifications according to the need.

All the display areas, including the main area A1 and the sub-areas A2a, A2 b, and A2 c, may have the same size. The number of the previewimages (number of the sub-areas) to be simultaneously displayed with thethrough image 101 may be changed.

In the present embodiment, the magnification marks M1 and M2 aredisplayed on the sub-areas. The user can reliably see the zoommagnifications of the preview images 102, 103, and 104 for selecting thecandidate image (the zoom magnification). Moreover, the user can selectthe zoom magnification considering the image quality. However, themagnification marks M1 and M2 may not be displayed.

The magnification marks may be displayed in the same way as the firstembodiment so that the zoom magnification realized merely by the opticalzoom and the zoom magnification realized by both optical and electroniczooms can be distinguished.

In the present embodiment, the digital camera includes both optical andelectronic zoom function is described. However, the present invention isapplicable to a digital camera having only one of the optical andelectronic zoom functions.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment of the present invention will be describedhereinafter. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the direct zoom mode processing inthe present embodiment executed by the CPU 24 of the digital camerahaving the configuration shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2. The operation ofthe power key 4 turns the power on, and the operation of the REC key 8starts the recording (image capturing) mode. Thereafter, the direct zoommode processing can be selected.

In the direct zoom mode, the CPU 24 drives the CCD 25 at thepredetermined through rate to capture the images of the object at thepredetermined time intervals (step SC1) and executes the through imagedisplay processing (step SC2). The through image display processing isthe same as the processing shown in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment. Bythe through image display processing, the images of the object includingthe through image 101 and the preview images 102, 103, and 104 aredisplayed on the display screen 15 a as shown in FIG. 5B. Magnificationmarks M1 and M2 are also displayed on the sub-areas A2 a, A2 b and A2 c.The selection cursor C is displayed on the predetermined sub-area (mainarea A1 by default).

Subsequently, when it is instructed to move the selection cursor C bythe direction key 13 (“YES” at step SC3), the CPU 24 moves the selectioncursor C to another area on the display screen 15 a according to theinstruction (step SC4). The CPU 24 determines whether or not the set key14 is operated (step SC5). The image set by the set key 14 operation isreferred to as the candidate image. When it is not instructed to movethe selection cursor C (“NO” at step SC3), the CPU 24 immediatelydetermines whether or not the candidate image is set (step SC5). Theabove-described processing is the same as the corresponding processingof the first and second embodiments.

Thereafter, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that thecandidate image is not set (“NO” at step SC5), the flow immediately goesto step SC7. When it is determined that the candidate image is set(“YES” at step SC5), the brightness of the selection cursor C displayedis increased to show settlement of the candidate, for example (stepSC6). The selection cursor C is fixed on the candidate image in thesubsequent steps.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the shutter key 5 isdepressed (step SC7). When it is determined that the shutter key 5 isnot depressed (“NO” at step SC7), the flow returns to step SC1 andrepeats the above-described processing. In the case where theabove-described processing is being repeated, when the movement andsetting of the selection cursor C are newly performed, the selectioncursor C newly displayed and settled on the selected candidate image(including the through image 101). Therefore, two or more selectioncursors are displayed on the candidate images.

Although it is not shown in the flowchart, the image data is capturedwhen the zoom lens is located in the wide end position, and separatelystored as reference image data, also in the present embodiment. At stepSA102 in the through image display processing of FIG. 4, the previewimage, whose optical zoom magnification is less than the optical zoommagnification of the zoom lens, is generated from the basic image data.When the user operates the zoom key 10 to change the zoom magnification,the zoom magnification for capturing the through image 101 issequentially changed.

When the shutter key 5 is depressed (“YES” at step SC7), the zoommagnification for shooting is defined to make minimum an amount ofoptical zoom magnification changing in the following way. From among thecandidate images, one candidate image is selected. The selection is forselecting one of unshooted candidate images having the closest opticalzoom magnification to the current setting of the lens unit 7 (thecurrent optical zoom magnification for capturing the through image 101).The zoom magnification for shooting is defined as the zoom magnificationcorresponding to the selected candidate image (step SC8). When theoptical zoom magnification for shooting is different from the currentsetting of the lens system 7, the zoom lens (lens system 7) is driven tothe zoom position corresponding to the optical zoom magnification forshooting if necessary (step SC9). Thereafter, shooting for recording isexecuted (step SC10). When the zoom magnification for shooting is morethan 3× (within the electronic zoom range), shooting is executed withthe 3× optical zoom, and the captured image (3× optical zoom) requiresto be processed by the electronic zoom processing. The image datacaptured with the 3× optical zoom (temporarily stored in the SDRAM 30)is processed with the electronic zoom processing based on the zoommagnification for shooting if necessary (step SC11). The image capturedas is or the image data subjected to the electronic zoom processing iscompressed and recorded in the external memory 31 (step SC12).

It is determined whether or not shooting of all the candidate images arecompleted (step SC13). When it is determined shooting of all thecandidate images is not completed (“NO” at step SC13), the selection ofthe candidate image is newly performed. That is, from among theremaining candidate images, the candidate image, whose optical zoommagnification is next closest to the setting of the lens unit 7, isnewly selected at step SC8. The above-described steps SC8 through SC13are repeated until shooting of all the candidate images is completed.Therefore, the zoom magnification for shooting automatically changes tothe magnification corresponding to the selected candidate image, andshooting is performed successively with different zoom magnifications.When shooting of every candidate images for every selected zoommagnifications (it can be a single zoom magnification) is completed(“YES” at step SC13), a single shooting operation in the direct zoommode is completed.

The combination of the zoom magnifications of the preview images 102,103, and 104 may be changed also in the present embodiment. The user maychange the zoom magnifications according to the need.

All the display areas, including the main area A1 and the sub-areas A2a, A2 b, and A2 c, may have the same size. The number of preview images(number of the sub-areas) to be simultaneously displayed with thethrough image 101 may be changed.

In the present embodiment, the magnification marks M1 and M2 aredisplayed on the sub-areas. The user can reliably see the zoommagnifications of the preview images 102, 103, and 104 when selectingthe candidate image (the zoom magnification). The magnification marks M1and M2 are displayed on the sub-areas in different manners from eachother. The user can select the zoom magnification considering the imagequality. The zoom magnification realized merely by the optical zoom andthe zoom magnification realized by both optical and electronic zoom canbe distinguished from each other with the magnification marks M1 and M2.The distinction may be performed by the different way such as displayinga line between the sub-areas A2 b and A2 c.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that at least one candidateimage is selected from the through image 101 and the preview images 102through 104 before the shutter key 5 is depressed. However, it may beoccur that the shutter key 5 is depressed in the case where no candidateimage is selected. In such a case, the following processing can beapplied. When the shutter key 5 is operated, it is determined whether ornot any of the candidate images is set. In the case where at least onecandidate image is set, the above-described processing after step SC8 isperformed as is. In the case where none of the candidate images is set,the message is displayed for prompting user to select a candidate image.Thereafter, the flow may return to step SC1.

Alternatively, the following processing is applicable. The selectioncursor C moves only among the sub-areas A2 a, A2 b, and A2 c. That is,the selectable images are limited to the preview images 102, 103, and104. When the shutter key 5 is operated, it is determined whether or notany of the preview images is selected and set. When at least one previewimage is selected and set, the above-described processing after step SC8is executed as is. In the case where none of the preview images isselected and set, the ordinary shooting operation is executed with thesetting of the zoom magnification at the time of the shutter key 5depression.

In the present embodiment, shooting processing is performed for everycandidate image. However, for shooting the candidate imagescorresponding to the same optical zoom magnification, a single shootingis sufficient. For example, in the case where the “3×” and “6×” previewimages are selected and set as the candidate images, the zoom lens isdriven to the position corresponding to the “3×” optical zoom, and theshooting processing is executed once. The image (6×) is generated fromthe “3×” captured image data by the “2×” electronic zoom processing.Thereby, the “3×” image data captured as is, and the image datasubjected to the “6×” zoom processing are recorded respectively.

In the present embodiment, the described digital camera includes bothoptical and electronic zoom function. However, the present invention isapplicable to a digital camera having only one of the optical andelectronic zoom functions. When the present invention is applied to adigital camera having only the optical zoom function, the shootingprocessing is executed for every zoom magnification of the candidateimages. The zoom magnification for shooting varies for each time theshooting processing is executed. When the present invention is appliedto a digital camera having only the electronic zoom function, the singleshooting processing is sufficient regardless of the number of thecandidate images. The electronic zoom processing is executed for everyzoom magnification of the candidate images to the image data captured bythe single shooting.

In the above-described embodiments, the aspect ratio of the displayscreen 15 a is 9:16, and horizontally longer than ordinary aspect ratioof 3:4. However, the aspect ratio of the display screen 15 a is notlimited to the horizontally longer aspect ratio. The display screenhaving ordinary aspect ratio may be applied to the present invention.

In the above-described embodiments, the preview images 102, 103, and 104are displayed on the display screen 15 a only when the direct zoom modeis executed. However, the preview images may be always displayed in therecording mode, regardless of the setting of the direct zoom mode.

In the above-described embodiments, the present invention is applied tothe digital camera. However the application of the present invention isnot limited to the digital camera. The present invention is easilyapplicable to personal digital assistants (PDA), a personal computerhaving a camera function, or the like.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be understood that many modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claimsare intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the truescope and spirit of the present invention. The presently disclosedembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description,and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency ofthe claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. For example,the present invention can be practiced as a computer readable recordingmedium in which a program for allowing the computer to function aspredetermined means, allowing the computer to realize a predeterminedfunction, or allowing the computer to conduct predetermined means.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image capturing apparatus comprising: an imagecapturing unit which captures image data of an object; a zoom image datagenerating unit which generates items of zoom image data havingdifferent zoom magnifications from the captured image data; a displaycontrol unit which displays through images on a display unit based onthe items of the generated zoom image data; a selection unit whichselects zoom magnifications by selecting some of the through imagesdisplayed on the display unit; an instruction unit which instructs toexecute image capturing; and a recording control unit which recordsimage data corresponding to the selected zoom magnifications to astoring medium when the instruction unit instructs to execute imagecapturing.
 2. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the image capturing unit comprises an optical zoom unit; and therecording control unit comprises: a driver which drives the optical zoomunit a plurality of times based on the selected zoom magnifications; anda capturing controller which causes the image capturing unit to captureitems of the image data when the driver drives the optical zoom unit aplurality of times, wherein the recording control unit records thecaptured items of the image data in the storing medium.
 3. The imagecapturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the driver drives theoptical zoom unit a plurality of times based on the selected zoommagnifications in such an order that an amount of an optical zoommagnification changing is minimum.
 4. The image capturing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit comprises: acapturing controller which causes the image capturing unit to capturethe image data of the object when the instruction unit instructs toexecute image capturing; and an electronic zoom unit which performs anelectronic zoom operation for the captured image data under control ofthe image capturing controller a plurality of times based on theselected zoom magnifications to generate items of electronic zoom imagedata, wherein the recording control unit records the items of electroniczoom image data generated by the electronic zoom unit in the storingmedium.
 5. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe image capturing unit comprises an optical zoom unit; and therecording control unit comprises: a driver which drives the optical zoomunit once or a plurality of times based on the selected zoommagnifications; a capturing controller which causes the image capturingunit to capture an item or items of the image data when the optical zoomunit is driven by the driver; an electronic zoom unit which performs anelectronic zoom operation for the item or items of the captured imagedata based on the selected zoom magnifications to generate an item oritems of the electronic zoom image data, wherein the recording controlunit records in the storing medium the item or items of the electroniczoom image data and the item or items of the captured image data whichare captured by the capturing controller but are not subjected to theelectronic zoom operation by the electronic zoom unit.
 6. An imagecapturing method for an image capturing apparatus including an imagecapturing unit which captures image data of an object, a display controlunit which displays an image on a display unit based on the image data,and a recording control unit which records the image data in a storingmedium, the method comprising: generating items of zoom image datahaving different zoom magnifications from the captured image data;displaying through images based on the items of the generated zoom imagedata on the display unit; selecting zoom magnifications by selectingsome of the through images displayed on the display unit; and recordingimage data corresponding to the selected zoom magnifications in thestoring medium when an image capture is instructed.
 7. A computerprogram product for use with an image capturing apparatus including animage capturing unit which captures image data of an object, a displaycontrol unit which displays an image on a display unit based on theimage data, and a recording control unit which records the image data ina storing medium, the computer program product being stored in acomputer usable medium including computer readable program means, thecomputer program product comprising: first computer readable programmeans for generating items of zoom image data having different zoommagnifications from the captured image data; second computer readableprogram means for displaying through images based on the items of thegenerated zoom image data on the display unit; third computer readableprogram means for selecting zoom magnifications by selecting some of thethrough images displayed on the display unit; and fourth computerreadable program means for recording image data corresponding to theselected zoom magnifications in the storing medium when an image captureis instructed.
 8. A computer program product for use with an imagecapturing apparatus including an image capturing unit which capturesimage data of an object, a display control unit which displays an imageon a display unit based on the image data, a magnification setting unitwhich sets a zoom magnification, and a recording control unit whichrecords image data corresponding to the set zoom magnification to astoring medium when an image capture is instructed, the computer programproduct comprising: first computer readable program means for generatingfirst item of image data and second items of image data from thecaptured image, wherein the first item of image data corresponds to theset zoom magnification, and the second items of image data correspond todifferent zoom magnifications; second computer readable program meansfor displaying a through image based on the first item of the image dataon a first area, and displaying a plurality of through images based onthe second items of the image data on second areas, wherein a displayscreen of the display unit being divided into the first area and thesecond areas which are smaller than the first area; third computerreadable program means for selecting a zoom magnification by selectingone of the through images displayed on the second areas; and fourthcomputer readable program means for setting the selected zoommagnification to the magnification setting unit.